Tributes paid as teenager who died in Cork school is named locally

The boy passed away on Tuesday.

A teenage boy who died following a tragic incident at a Cork school on Tuesday has been named locally as Craig Rodrigues. Craig was a third year student at Skibbereen Community School. On Tuesday, emergency services were called to the secondary school to airlift the 15-year-old to a hospital for treatment. In a statement, the school's principal Anton O'Mahony said he was deeply saddened by the student's death. "It is with deep sadness that I inform you that the school has experienced the sudden death of Craig Rodrigues, one of our 3rd year students, "Craig sadly passed away yesterday evening in the care of the hospital medical staff in CUH having fallen ill in school. "We are deeply saddened by his passing, and our thoughts are with the Rodrigues family at this time." Mr. O'Mahony said that the school has introduced supports to help pupils deal with the tragedy. He has also issued advice to parents about how they can help their children cope. "Over the course of the coming days, please keep an eye on your child and allow him/her to express their feelings without criticism," he said. "Although classes will continue as usual, I anticipate that the next few days will be difficult for everyone." He reminded parents to "emphasise and reinforce the need to be extremely sensitive and careful" about what their children post on social media in the coming days. Karen Coakley, Fine Gael Councillor for Skibbereen, told The Irish Mirror that Craig's passing was a "sad and traumatic time" for the school and the community. "The school are supporting Craig’s family, students and staff. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Craig’s family, friends and to the students and staff at SCC. "Thoughts and prayers are with Craig’s family and friends at this exceptionally difficult time." The Irish Mirror reported that Gardai have since launched an investigation into the death but the incident is being treated as a tragic accident.